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News | 17 September 2025

Letter from the Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

Welcome Back!

Next week we are excited to welcome students back to school after what we hope has been a sunny and relaxing summer break. The teachers and staff at IES Årsta have been working hard to plan and prepare, and we are truly looking forward to seeing the students again.

A Look Back

In May, we received the results of our annual student survey, and we are proud to share some very positive developments. Students reported feeling safer and more secure at school, more satisfied with their learning environment, and more confident that teachers listen to them. They also gave higher ratings for the student council, teacher feedback, and overall enjoyment of school. These are important results not just for us as a school, but also for you as parents.

Academically, our students continue to perform at a high level, both in terms of grades and eligibility to Gymnasiet. Altogether, there is much to be happy about from the past school year.

What’s New for 2025/26

Mobile Phones

Starting this year, all students will hand in their mobile phones each morning and get them back at the end of the school day. IES Årsta has always been a mobile-free school, and previously we have collected phones in grades 4–5. From now on, collecting phones will include all grades.

Why this change? Quite simply: because students need it. Phones can distract from learning and create unnecessary stress, even when they’re just in a pocket, backpack, or locker. This policy also ensures a safer school environment, where students don’t have to worry about being filmed, photographed, or having content shared without their consent.

Printed Textbooks
We have also made a strategic decision to return to printed textbooks as the foundation of teaching and learning in all grades. Students will still use a mix of digital and traditional tools, but books, paper, and pen will play a greater role.

Why this change? Research shows that students (and adults) learn more effectively from printed materials compared to digital ones. At the same time, digital skills remain essential, and we will of course continue to give students the training they need in this area.

School leaders will meet with all students during the first week to talk about these changes. We know that adjusting may be challenging for some, but we will explain that these decisions are about creating the best possible conditions for learning, safety, and focus. We hope and trust that you as parents will see the value of these changes and support us by reinforcing the message at home.

Start of Term

Monday, August 18 – First day of school for Grade 4: 8:30–12:00. The focus will be on meeting classmates and mentors, getting to know the school building, and learning routines and rules.

Tuesday, August 19 – First day back for all grades (mentor day):

• Grade 4: 8:00–13:00

• Grade 5: 8:15–13:15

• Grade 6: 8:30–13:30

• Grade 7: 9:00–14:00

• Grade 8: 9:15–14:15

• Grade 9: 9:30–14:30
  
  

Wednesday, August 20 – Regular schedule begins.

Wednesday, August 27 – Parent Meeting: 17:00–18:30.

Junior Club will be open for trial sessions Wednesday, August 20 – Friday, August 22. From Monday, August 25, registration and payment will be required.

We wish all students and families a wonderful, exciting, and successful school year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or thoughts.

Kind regards,

Mr Gellerstedt